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Indefinite awards (awards without a review date)
Indefinite awards are awards without a review date (PADP regs, reg 29(3)(a))
Indefinite awards should be given where setting a review date would not be appropriate. This is the case where the available information suggests the individual’s level of need related to their conditions or disability is either:
- highly unlikely to change in the long term (for lower and higher rate PADP awards);
- only likely to increase (for higher rate PADP awards).
Whether the needs of an individual with a lifelong condition are highly unlikely to change depends on a range of factors, rather than just on the individual’s condition. These factors are outlined in this chapter in the relevant considerations for setting a review period section. The nature of the individual’s condition is only one of many indications.
It is essential that you consider all relevant factors to build up a holistic picture of the individual’s circumstances and the likelihood of their needs changing over time.
You should also consider the age an individual would be at their next review. If an individual will be of an advanced age, it might be more appropriate to give them an indefinite award. See the Age section for more information.
Generally, individuals do not have to have severe conditions to be eligible for an indefinite award. Rather than focusing on the severity of their conditions, when deciding whether an indefinite award is appropriate, you must consider whether or not an indefinite award would be appropriate, based on the likelihood of the individual’s needs changing as detailed above. For example, if it is unlikely that the individual on a lower-rate award would report a change of circumstances if their needs increased, an indefinite award might not be right for them.
It is important that before deciding not to set a review date, you have enough information to make this decision. If you incorrectly choose not to set a review date, this may mean an individual continues to be paid the wrong rate of assistance after their needs have changed, if they do not report the change in circumstances.
There is no requirement for the individual to have a terminal illness in choosing not to set a review date. Individuals who have a terminal illness will not have a scheduled review of their entitlement. Special rules for terminal illness awards are ongoing without review. There will be no review period and an individual remains eligible unless they have informed Social Security Scotland that their circumstances have changed. For more information on making a determination on a terminal illness case please refer to the SRTI chapter.
Example: An individual’s significant needs are highly unlikely to change
Wilson (73) has a history of alcohol addiction spanning several decades. In his application form, his support worker explains that Wilson’s excessive alcohol consumption has led to the development of severe peripheral neuropathy causing numbness, tingling and weakness in feet and hands. Additionally, Wilson is experiencing symptoms of confusion, suggestive of Korsakoff’s syndrome, a neurological disorder often associated with chronic alcohol abuse.
His peripheral neuropathy causes difficulty walking, loss of balance and chronic pain in his limbs. Wilson also demonstrates signs of cognitive impairment such as disorientation and memory loss. His alcohol addiction is identified as a significant contributor to his current medical and neurological issues.
With the help of his support worker, Wilson has uploaded a photo of a letter from a medical specialist as confirmation from a professional. The letter states that, due to
- the complex nature of his condition
- the length of time he has had an issue with alcohol; and
- Wilson’s age,
the damage is irreversible and Wilson is being considered for supported accommodation to offer assistance with daily living, medication and access to healthcare services.
After case familiarisation, the case manager requests a case discussion because they are unsure what review period might be appropriate for Wilson. They are wondering whether Wilson could potentially experience a decrease in needs after a phase of adapting to his supported accommodation and whether therefore a short review period might be best.
However, the practitioner explains that, although Wilson may abstain from alcohol, the damage is irreversible and his needs are highly likely to increase over time due to his degenerative condition, even if he moves into supported accommodation. The case manager decides to award Wilson an indefinite award.